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The
ancient Tirukkovil enshrining the Jalandharari Sivalinga has a
fascinating background. It begins with Indra's visit to Mount Kailas
on some work without prior appointment. Lord Siva in disguise
enquired Indra to give his credentials. Incensed Indra hurled his
Vajrayuda. Siva broke it into pieces and assumed the form of Rudra
to punish Indra. When begged to be forgiven, he was let off: But the
persipiration that came when He assumed Rudraswarupa was collected
and thrown into sea.
A
demon was born out of it and was called Jalandar. Siva taking
affection brought him up. This Jalandara by his danavakrityas
tormented people. At the instance of the victims, Lord Siva taking
the form of an old man met Jalandara. The arrogant demon heckled at
the tottering figure of Siva. Then Siva drew the diagram of chakra
and challenged Jalandara to remove it from that place. It was
nothing for danava. Being a mayavi, he lifted it easily. Siva then
cut off his head at once. The place of this episode is now called
Virkudi. And there is temple where Siva is adored in
the name of Jalandarari - foe 'of Jaladar. It is a hallowed kshetra
visited by bhaktas regularly.
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